NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

Posted on: June 15, 2011 3:17 pm

Edited on: June 15, 2011 5:28 pm

On one day, I report that a CBA deal is 80-85 percent complete, and there is guarded optimism. On another day, ESPN reports the talks almost blew up. One day--extreme optimism. Another day--not so much.

That's how these talks are going to go. I can't find a single person who says talks nearly "blew up" but that doesn't mean they didn't. It also doesn't mean that a large chunk of progress hasn't been made. Because it has. I've quoted people close to the talks saying a deal was weeks, if not days, away. I always believed late June and early July was the date they'd get this done. That is still a strong possibility, according to several people close to the situation.

That position was enhanced when late in the day on Wednesday owners and players announced talks would continue. Doesn't that sound like progress is being made? Does that sound like things were on the verge of blowing up?

The big problem remains the hatred between the lawyers. They were again allowed into the room after being kicked out of it. I think everyone involved in the discussions again underestimated the level of venom they'd once again bring.

So this is where we are: this situation changes daily, if not hourly. Based on everyone I speak to the sense of guarded optimism remains thick.

NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

irregardless - I have no information that Freeman did have credible sources, but just to point it out if you missed it - ESPN didn't name their sources either. Believing one and not the other seems like picking and choosing to me at this point, especially since they're mutually compatible (it is entirely possible that productive talks could have nearly blown up but could still be making progress).

Since: Apr 14, 2007

Posted on: June 15, 2011 5:17 pm

NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

On one day, I (Mike Freeman) report guess that a CBA deal is 80-85 percent complete, and there is guarded optimism. On another day, ESPN reports the talks almost blew up. One day--extreme optimism. Another day--not so much.

Corrected it for you Mike, since you do not seem to understand stating pure opinion is not actually reporting.

That's how these talks are going to go.

You guess, and that is another opinion not to be confused later as "reporting."

I can't find a single person who says talks nearly "blew up" but that doesn't mean they didn't.

That because you don't actually have contacts involved in the negotiation, and have to claim your "sources" wanted to remain anonymous.

It also doesn't mean that a large chunk of progress hasn't been made.

By your guess.

Because it has.

But you can't substantiate.

I've quoted people close to the talks saying a deal was weeks, if not days, away.

And yet can produce not a single person willing to allow the use of their name because these quotes are really your guesses. You can't really quote an unnamed source. You haven't quoted people.

I always believed late June and early July was the date they'd get this done.

Unless you read your past blogs.

That is still a strong possibility, according to several people close to the situation.

That can't be quoted, and you haven't actually had contact with, and that weren't actually ever in the room.

The big problem remains the hatred between the lawyers.

But before they were the champions of the cause and the players had won.

They were again allowed into the room after being kicked out of it. I think everyone involved in the discussions again underestimated the level of venom they'd once again bring.

But before you claimed the brilliance of DeMaurice Smith (Lawyer that is not a football guy) that felt this route to be the only route and the incompetence (something you are very familiar with) of Rodger Goodall for stating all along that the bargaining table was the only place the issue would be settled.

So this is where we are: this situation changes daily, if not hourly. Based on everyone I speak claim to speak to but cannot prove I spoke to, to the sense of guarded optimism remains thick.

Fixed it for you again...

Even if the sport is stuck in a labor maze.

The maze of Freeman's world of make believe.

Seriously Mikie, if you want people to ever take you serious, get once source that will allow you to use their name, and not vehemently deny it minutes after you nonsense gets posted.

Since: May 30, 2008

Posted on: June 15, 2011 4:09 pm

NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

"Tap, tap, tap" Merrlen - Freemen stated that ESPN reported that the talks almost blew up not him. That is why Freeman couldn't find anyone to confirm this statement. I am not sure if you missed that part but he was referring to something that another credible news source was reporting.

Since: Mar 7, 2011

Posted on: June 15, 2011 4:08 pm

NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

The lock out is great! What could be more entertaining than watching a bunch of loud mouth, me first felons NOT get paid. I want to see the whole season go down the drain. The players, who at some point in time will NOT have any leverage, will soon realize what a huge mistake they are making - once those checks don't show up. Then the ranks will break - just like in the NBA. All it took were a few missed pay checks. The first players to squirm will be both the vets in their last year and rookies. Yes, all those first rounders will get significantly less money once the season is canceled.

Since: Jul 26, 2009

Posted on: June 15, 2011 4:00 pm

NFL talks still moving despite contrary report

" I can't find a single person who says talks nearly "blew up" but that doesn't mean they didn't. "

Freeman you kill me. Do you spew stuff out for a deadline. If you can't find a single person that said this then why did you report it initially.

And yes, labor talks will have there ups and downs. Another golden nugget from you. I don't know who is worse, you or Prispo? At least Prispo has some facts.